Visual Arts
The Long Journey of Chief Joseph’s War Shirt
Important Native American artifact seen in Smithsonian portrait fetches $877,500 at Nevada auction
July 25, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Olympic Games at the Smithsonian
Before you settle into your couch to watch the Olympics, get down to the Smithsonian for exhibits, games and more.
July 24, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Q&A: Archaeologist Unearths 600-year-old Bra in Castle
Though in tatters, the undergarment looks thoroughly modern. But was it comfortable!?
July 23, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Events July 24-26: Animal Migrations, Belly Dancing and the Invention of Klingon
This week at the Smithsonian, learn how animals find their way across continents, try out belly dancing and pick up a new language with the creator of Klingon.
July 23, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The History of the Olympic Pictograms: How Designers Hurdled the Language Barrier
Infographic design first appeared at the Olympics in 1948, when the games were last in London.
July 20, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
40 Under 40 Opens at the Renwick Today
Forty artists honor 40 years of craft.
July 20, 2012 |
By Guest Blogger
Events July 20-22: Living Earth Festival, Movie Day, Book Signings at Air and Space
This weekend, celebrate Earth, have a movie day and check out some super cool planes at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
July 19, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Teen Photographers Win Spot at National Portrait Gallery
Winners of the museum's Teen Portrait Competition discuss their portraits and the stories behind them.
July 18, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Mystery of 221B Baker Street
Our series on Design and Sherlock Holmes begins with an investigation into the location of the famous detective's London flat
July 18, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
The Swimsuit Series, Part 4: A Competitive Swimmer’s Musings
In Leanne Shapton's Swimming Studies "Bathing" chapter, there's a story behind every suit
July 17, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Five Things Leslie Knope Should See at the Smithsonian
As NBC's "Parks and Recreation" prepares to shoot its season five opener in D.C., we offer up five must-sees for the newest city councilmember of Pawnee, Indiana
July 17, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The End of Swimsuit Design Innovation
Design innovation often seems like a path with no end, but in competitive swimwear, we've found the point where ingenuity fundamentally changes the nature of the sport
July 16, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Why TED Founder Richard Saul Wurman Thinks TED Is So Last Century
The creator of the popular speaker series spent Friday at the Smithsonian talking about the next step in his prolific design career
July 16, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events July 17-19: Virtual Caving, Air Force Strings and a Tribute to Thelonius Monk
This week at the Smithsonian: take a virtual tour beneath the earth's surface, see the Air Force Strings perform and honor the genius of Thelonius Monk.
July 16, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Remembering Bloomingdale’s Chairman, the Dearly Departed Martin Traub, 1925-2012
The department store chain's visionary executive beat the competition in exotic fashion flair
July 13, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
An Architect-Turned-Barista Draws a Fine Line Between Brewing and Design
As the finale to our coffee series, we talk with Yeekai Lim, an entrepreneur from Los Angeles, about coffee, design, and the common ground(s) they share
July 13, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Events July 13-15: After Hours at the Museum of African Art, Cranes and Clouds, “Don Juan” Screening
This weekend, hit up the Museum of African Art after hours, create Korean art and view a screening of "Don Juan."
July 12, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Packing List Series, Part 1: Joan Didion
In 1979, "The White Album" gave smart women a straightforward guide to what to bring on a trip
July 11, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Battle in Our Backyard: Remembering Fort Stevens
Historian David C. Ward recounts the short but unprecedented Civil War attack on Washington, D.C. at the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11, 1864.
July 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Smithsonian Gets Google Mapped
Smithsonian and Google Maps launched an easy to use application Tuesday providing step by step directions inside 17 museums and the National Zoo.
July 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz


